Basic Playback

Sound Modes

The six sound modes on the VSX-D938TX (The five sound modes on the VSX-D908TX/D908TX-G) are explained here. These can be turned on from the front panel or from the remote control.

There are four (VSX-D938TX) or three (VSX-D908TX/D908TX-G) cinema modes: STANDARD, MPEG (VSX- D938TX only), HOME THX CINEMA, and ADVANCED THEATER. These are designed to be used with multi channel surround sound audio/visual sources (like DVDs and LDs). Intrinsic to home theater, these modes can deliver realistic and powerful surround sound that recreates the movie theater experience. You may need to experiment with them to see which settings suit your home system and personal tastes.

The DSP and STEREO modes are designed to be used with music sources but some DSP modes are also suited for film soundtracks. Again, try different settings with various soundtracks to see which you like.

You must choose one of the three cinema modes or the DSP mode in order to get surround sound. In STEREO mode, only the front two speakers are used.

STANDARD mode

This mode is for pure decoding of Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby Pro Logic. No special effects are added. It is good for enjoying movies that have been recorded in Dolby Digital, DTS or Surround.

HOME THX CINEMA mode

THX is a set of technical standards created by Lucasfilm, Ltd. These standards were designed to emulate a film sound stage and thus reproduce, with the greatest possible accuracy, the soundtrack intended by the filmmakers.

For more detailed information, see P.78.

MPEG mode (VSX-D938TX only)

Use this mode to enjoy playback of software recorded in MPEG audio.

ADVANCED THEATER modes

The Advanced Theater mode is a newly designed system for enhancing movie soundtracks and other audio- visual sources. It incorporates the use of DTS (Digital Theater System) as well as Dolby Digital into its sound processing. These functions switch on automatically when the source you are playing is encoded with DTS, Dolby Pro Logic or Dolby Digital (bearing the 1logo). There are four Advanced Theater settings that use DSP (Digital Signal Processing) to create different types of sound environments.

MUSICAL

This mode is primarily for music and adds a spacious feeling to the sound. A long delay time of reflected sounds, provides resonant tones which emulate a concert hall.

DRAMA (CINEMA)

This mode is designed for movies with a lot of dialog. The elements of dialog are enhanced, making the characters seem more real. The mode also compresses the dynamic range somewhat so loud sounds do not overpower softer ones (compare this with the MIDNIGHT LISTENING mode explained on p.46).

ACTION

This mode is designed for action movies, which generally use lots of sound effects. The mode enriches the sound to make it more realistic and extends the parameters to pick up high and low sound effects.

5-D THEATER

This mode is especially designed to give sound depth to stereo sources. The overall effect builds a dynamic and broad sound space, allowing two-channel (stereo) signals to faithfully imitate a five speaker sound. The mode should be used in conjunction with Dolby Pro Logic for sources bearing the 3mark.

When a Dolby Digital soundtrack is played back, the Dialog Normalization function of the receiver activates automatically. Dialog Normalization is a Dolby Digital function that establishes the average dialog level for the program source being played. If the receiver’s level does not match the average dialog level, first you see “DIAL. NORM” flash in the receiver’s display and next OFFSET + 4 dB (as an example) will appear. The number +4 dB is the difference between the receiver’s gain structure and the Dolby Digital average dialog level. To match the average dialog level, subtract or add the OFFSET level. For example, if the OFFSET level is +4 dB, the amplifier’s output is 4 dB over the average recorded

level.

39

OPERATION

Page 39
Image 39
Pioneer VSX-D908TX-G manual Sound Modes, Standard mode, Home THX Cinema mode, Mpeg mode VSX-D938TX only

VSX-D908TX, VSX-D908TX-G, VSX-D938TX specifications

The Pioneer VSX-D908TX, VSX-D938TX, and VSX-D908TX-G are notable entries in the realm of audio-video receivers, offering a range of advanced features and technologies that cater to both audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts. Each model encapsulates Pioneer’s commitment to audio excellence and cutting-edge technology.

The VSX-D908TX stands out with its robust power handling capabilities, delivering multiple channels of amplification for immersive sound experiences. With a power rating of 100 watts per channel across 5 channels, users can enjoy rich, detailed audio whether they're watching movies or listening to music. This model also incorporates Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, allowing for detailed surround sound reproduction. The onboard Room Calibration system helps tailor the audio output to suit the unique acoustics of any room, enhancing the listener's experience.

The VSX-D938TX takes this foundation further by providing an impressive 110 watts per channel across 7 channels. This allows for even greater sound staging, making it an excellent choice for those looking to build a more expansive home theater system. In addition, it boasts advanced video processing features, including support for various video formats and the capability to upscale standard-definition content, ensuring that viewers can enjoy their favorite shows and movies in the best possible quality. Its connectivity options further enhance versatility, offering multiple HDMI inputs, component, and composite video connections.

The VSX-D908TX-G shares many features with its counterparts but introduces a sleek, modern aesthetic that appeals to contemporary users. Its user-friendly interface is complemented by a comprehensive remote control that simplifies navigation through settings and inputs, making the overall experience comfortable and intuitive.

All three models embody Pioneer’s proprietary technologies, including Advanced Convergence technology, which enhances image clarity and reduces artifacts in digital content. Additionally, they support various audio formats like MP3, WMA, and AAC, ensuring compatibility with a range of digital sources.

Ultimately, the Pioneer VSX-D908TX, VSX-D938TX, and VSX-D908TX-G cater to a diverse audience, providing robust power, advanced decoding capabilities, and user-friendly features, making them formidable additions to any home entertainment setup. These receivers not only enrich the listening experience but also align seamlessly with modern home theater demands.